Ransomware Revolution: From Floppy Disks to Global Cyber Threats
The evolution of ransomware is like watching a B-movie villain become a blockbuster star. From the floppy disk days of the 1980s to today’s sophisticated double-extortion schemes, ransomware has grown into a global menace, demanding millions and leaving chaos in its wake. Hold onto your data, folks; this cyber-thriller is far from over!
Hot Take:
Ransomware has evolved more than my favorite Pokémon! From floppy disks to digital extortion empires, it seems like cybercriminals have been busy leveling up their game while the rest of us are still trying to figure out how to stop Netflix from buffering. The 1980s brought us leg warmers and the first ransomware attack — both equally terrifying in hindsight. Fast forward to today, and ransomware is the Godzilla of the cyberworld, stomping through critical infrastructure like it owns the place. Someone call the Ghostbusters… wait, wrong crisis.
Key Points:
- Ransomware began in the 1980s with simple attacks like the AIDS Trojan.
- The 1990s introduced encryption, making ransomware more effective.
- The 2000s saw the rise of sophisticated ransomware families.
- The 2010s popularized Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS).
- The 2020s are marked by double-extortion tactics and geopolitical impacts.